The book, believed to be the first comprehensive social history of LGBTQ Milwaukee ever published, traces the rise and fall of over six dozen landmark bars, gathering places and pride festivals.

With contributions from many local elders and icons, LGBT Milwaukee celebrates the resilience, determination and unity required to bring a community out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

“We have always been here,” said author Michail Takach. “By the time of the 1969 Stonewall riots, an astonishing 35 gay bars had already opened in Milwaukee – a number matched only by New York or San Francisco.”

“LGBT Milwaukee is dedicated to those who dared to live authentic, adventurous, outrageous lives against all odds. Without these courageous pioneers, many of whom are featured in the book, we would live in a very different Milwaukee today.”

“As social spaces become more mixed and mainstream, the need to explore and preserve hidden history becomes more and more critical,” said Wes Shaver, president elect of Milwaukee Pride, Inc.

“In today’s Walker’s Point, a new generation is transforming historic LGBTQ spaces – sometimes without even knowing what came before. It is our commitment to learn, to know, to educate, and to celebrate our cultural heritage.”

All commission proceeds from LGBT Milwaukee will be donated to Milwaukee Pride, Inc., with the goal of establishing year-round local LGBTQ history education programs. Additional donations will be earned for every purchase that originates at Amazon Smile.

“The hidden history of early LGBT life in Milwaukee is gradually being unveiled,” said Don Schwamb, “and this book is an excellent introduction to a past that few today can even remember.”